Masking tape saves kiwi chick

Eggs typically provide all the resources a baby bird needs to develop before hatching; however, damage to the shell can be life-threatening which is a situation one woman recently faced in New Zealand.

Claire Travers works at the Rainbow Springs Nature Park which runs a conservation program for endangered kiwi birds.

She and her team were recently given a developing kiwi egg with a noticeable puncture in it.

Recognizing that the contents could become too dry without additional protection, Travers decided to try and mitigate the problem.

She affixed part of another shell over the damaged area with masking tape.

She doubted the solution would work, but 11 days later, the kiwi chick, which has since been named Fissure, emerged alive.

10PHOTOS

Britain's favourite bird

See Gallery

Britain's favourite bird

The mute swan is one of the largest flying birds in the world and can weigh up to 20lbs (9kg). Many are strill considered to be the property of the Crown, they are the epitome of beauty and grace.

This glorious aerial master has won the hearts of the British public and is an amazing conservation success. From a tiny dwindling population based in Wales, there are now in excess of 3,000 red kites in Britain.

With any election there is always a candidate that is billed as having an outside chance. This beautiful raptor is a hot political potato as it is the most persecuted in the UK. Shamefully, there is perhaps just one pair remaining in England. If Britain wants to back an underdog then the hen harrier is the one.

This photogenic comedic looking seabird really deserves its northern Scottish alternative name of sea parrot. They are only in Britain during the summer before slipping off to spend the winter months in the middle of the sea.

There is nothing more haunting than the ghostly image of a barn owl in the countryside flying through the beam of a car's headlights in the dark of night. Everybody loves an owl. But do you love the barn owl enough to make it our national bird?

The dazzling jewel of the British bird scene, but surprisingly, they are not an everyday sight for most people. Despite their bright colours, kingfishers can be easily overlooked as they spend a lot their time perched motionless by riverbanks.

Perhaps Britain's most famous bird, it needs little introduction. Good old Robin Redbreast is actually a member of the thrush family, rarely lives longer than a couple of years and already holds the title of Britain's favourite bird.

Perhaps Britain's most famous bird, it needs little introduction. Good old Robin Redbreast is actually a member of the thrush family, rarely lives longer than a couple of years and already holds the title of Britain's favourite bird.

The blackbird is one of the most familiar birds in the country with a truly mellifluous song. Paul McCartney sang a song about the blackbird. Will this dark and handsome thrush be calling the tune when the votes are finally in?

There can't be a garden in the land that isn't graced by blue tits, one of Britain's most beautiful birds. They are among the most familiar of our garden birds and are avid users of the feeders and nest boxes that we put out for them.